The laughter and music of the gala faded behind Kimiko as she guided Luka through the grand foyer of VHC Central. Her husband's massive arm draped heavily across her shoulders, his steps unsteady but his voice booming with pride.
"Did you see him, Kimi? Did you see our boy?" Luka's words slurred together, his normally resonant voice pitched too loud for the elegant surroundings. "He stood up to that Valerius brat like he was born for it!"
Kimiko patted his chest, her smile never wavering as she nodded to the security personnel. "Yes, dear. Everyone saw him."
Everyone saw everything.
The night air hit them with a welcome coolness as they stepped outside. Kimiko lifted her hand, and their limousine glided silently to the curb. The driver opened the door, and she maneuvered Luka's bulk into the vehicle.
"Where are the kids?" Luka asked, blinking owlishly around the empty limousine.
"They'll be along shortly," Kimiko replied.
She had seen them.
